Last week in Parliament was a significant one. I have been working and voting to ensure that Britain, and most importantly the Black Country, and Halesowen & Rowley Regis is fit for the future.
The Third Reading of the EU Withdrawal Bill which repeals the European Communities Act 1972 and paves the way for our exit from the EU, is now making good progress, which means that when we leave the EU all of our existing laws and protections are in place, including the rights of workers and for animal welfare.
As I have said many times before I respect democracy and the result of the referendum, and I will vote to ensure Brexit happens. I am committed to ensuring we grasp every opportunity this provides our country. We all have to work together to ensure that Brexit works.
The Chancellor also gave his annual budget statement which lays the foundations for a Britain fit for the future – investing for the long-term while supporting families and businesses under pressure now, setting a path to a more prosperous Britain.
I was pleased to see commitments in building a new economy, taking the National Productivity investment fund to £30 billion, investing in emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and driverless cars, and backing business with a £2.3 billion package on business rates.
We will be supporting families in their everyday lives, by increasing the National Living Wage by above inflation, cutting income tax by raising the personal allowance, freezing fuel duty for the 8th year and investing to support our NHS.
Building the homes our young people need was a centre point for this budget, we are setting a target to deliver 300,000 homes per year, reforming planning to unlock land for first time buyers, abolishing stamp duty for over 80 per cent of first time buyers and investing more to take government support for housing up to £44 billion. And importantly, protecting our greenbelt from unnecessary and unwanted development.
Of course, the budget also focused on getting Britain ready for Brexit. Investing a further £3 billion on top of the £700 million already committed to prepare Britain for every possible eventuality, and ensure we prosper as we leave the EU.
When I talk to people in Halesowen & Rowley Regis the overwhelming message I get is that people are anxious about their own, and their families' future. That’s why I am working hard on ensuring that our Government builds a country fit for the future.